On March 14, Brenau University will host its annual Dempsey Dash 5K and 1K Fun Run in memory of the university’s long-time executive vice president and CFO, Wayne Dempsey. The event benefits the Wayne W. Dempsey Endowed Scholarship Fund, first funded in Dempsey’s memory in 2014 by an anonymous donor.
Official Dempsey Dash T-shirts provided for all pre-registered participants by February 20. All other registered participants through race day will receive shirt while supplies last.
Certified race: Certification # is GA24002DJ
Why A Bowtie?
Those who knew Dr. Dempsey remember him as quite the clotheshorse. Always dressed to the nines, he had a reputation for impeccable style. He was almost always seen around campus in a well-coordinated suit and tie or a fashionable sport coat. Even his sons recall him as a younger man cutting the grass in a pair of penny loafers! It's unclear exactly how his signature bow tie habit began. His older son claims to have started wearing bow ties in the late 80s, forging his own fashion identity. The elder Dempsey, admiring the look, decided to give them a try himself. Taking it a step further, Dr. Dempsey even sought out lessons to learn how to tie them properly. He and his son spent hours practicing and mastering the skill. From there, the trademark look was born. Dr. Dempsey frequently sported bow ties in his daily professional life, and they became his calling card. After his passing, his sons inherited his tie collection, and one continues to wear the bow ties today. In this way, the bow tie has become a unique and touching way to remember a great and unique man
When to pick up participant bags or shirts?
Saturday, at registration/check-in.
Mar 14, 2026
Distance — 1K Fun Run (Friends Family & Community)
Type — Running
09:00
$15.00
Mar 14, 2026
Distance — 1K Fun Run (Brenau students and employees)
Type — Running
09:00
$15.00
Mar 14, 2026
Distance — 1K Fun Run (Children under 10)
Type — Running
09:00
$10.00
Mar 14, 2026
Distance — 5K (Phantom Runner/Donation/Shirt Purchase
Type — Running
09:00
$20.00
Mar 14, 2026
Distance — 5K (Phantom Runner/Shirt Purchase Only
Type — Running
09:00
$20.00
Mar 14, 2026
Distance — 5K
Type — Running
09:00
$15.00
Mar 14, 2026
Distance — 5K
Type — Running
09:00
$10.00
Mar 14, 2026
Distance — 5K
Type — Running
09:00
$30.00
These values represent the 3-year monthly averages for March in Gainesville.
Gainesville is a city in Georgia's Historic High Country. The city of Gainesville is one of the larger cities in the Historic High Country along with Rome (Georgia) both with populations around 30,000. The city is located in Hall County (Georgia) in the Central High Country. The city is nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains and is close to the shores of Lake Lanier and less than an hour's drive to downtown Atlanta. Gainesville is home to an Amtrak station.
Read more launchExplore other exciting events happening in this same region.
Hand-picked events we think you’ll love.
Nov 21, 2026
The RUN Manatee 5k series offers THREE adventures to celebrate ONE community. Participants will discover Manatee County…
Read more
Nov 28, 2026
Join us for the annual Turkey Trails 5k/10k! A fun, Thanksgiving-themed event that is perfect for the whole family.The…
Read more
Dec 13, 2026
Join us for the annual Candy Cane Course 5k/12k! A fun, Christmas-themed event that is perfect for the whole family.Th…
Read more
Mar 21, 2027
WE ARE NOW OFFERING AN AQUABIKE DIVISION! Triathlon Information:Join us for the annual Space Coast Triathlon, held in …
Read more
